When It Comes to Office Chairs, One Size Does Not Fit All

A few weeks ago, my cousin was admitted to the hospital in the middle of the night. No, he wasn't drunk and driving. He didn't get hit by a car, he didn't have a heart attack, and he didn't accidentally chop one of his fingers off. What actually happened was this: he had just finished crunching in some numbers on his spreadsheet. Just as he stretched his arms and leaned backwards, his computer chair broke and he ended up falling down on the floor, breaking his left arm.

You see, my cousin is a bit on the tall and heavy side. He's a little over six feet and weighs about three hundred pounds. The crazy part was that he was sitting on a computer chair that was made for the average-sized individual. And by "average" sized, I mean two hundred pounds or less.

A few family members found his story pretty funny. In fact, my cousin was laughing along with them after he was given some painkillers. But I think that there was one major lesson to be learned from what happened to him: when it comes to computer chairs, one size definitely does not fit all.

If you've put on a bit of weight or have always been on the heavy side, then it might be time to go look at office chairs for large people. Not only will you find more comfortable, you'll also be doing your body good. A chair that's intended for your weight is the only chair that can provide you the right kind of support.

You might not be aware at first, but you'll also end up saving a lot of money in the end. Think about it: if you're pushing your chair to the limit, it'll only last you a few months or a year, at best. And even before it breaks, you'll notice a lot of squeaks and hear a few parts breaking every now and then. I don't think it's very reassuring to hear or feel something crack every time you so much as move while you're seated. It's also going to break the bank if you have to go out and buy a new office chair every time your current one breaks.

Choosing what chair to get is a process in itself. To help get you started, here are some quick tips on what to look out for when you're choosing your new chair:

Armrests. Some come with armrests, some don't. However, most people prefer the former for obvious reasons. Some chairs come with wide armrests, although some come with narrower ones. If you're the type who uses armrests a lot, then you might want to get the wider ones so they can provide sufficient support.

Back. Before finalizing which chair you're getting, check the back first. Some come with mesh backs, which are generally cooler since it allows air to pass through. However, many people go for cushioned backs instead since they're generally more comfortable and provide more support.

Adjustability. Go for a chair that's easy to adjust. Chances are, you'll need to make a few tweaks and adjustments to ensure that it's just perfect for you. Most chairs come with knobs that make the entire adjustment process quick and easy. Don't go for chairs where you'll need to break out your tools in order to make the adjustments.

Most people make the assumption that these types of chairs cost an arm and a leg. However, you'll be pleased to know that prices actually start at $179. Here's one good option. Now don't you agree that this is an investment worth making?

Some of the sites we link to are affiliates. We may earn a small commission if you use our links.